National Geographic Explorers Festival makes African debut

Local filmmaker and Explorer Noel Kok has hosted a landmark event, bringing the National Geographic Explorers Festival to the African continent for the first time.

A historic gathering in Sandton

As the Co-Founder of Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), Noel Kok brought decades of experience to the stage at The Galleria in Sandton. The event marked a significant milestone, with regional National Geographic Explorers selected to participate in a dedicated Explorer Community workshop.

The Explorer Spotlight session featured 15 compelling talks by explorers from 13 different countries. Attendees also enjoyed an inspiring Evening of Exploration, hosted by Kok, celebrating the incredible impact the National Geographic community is having across Africa.

Showcasing African voices

Known for his compelling storytelling and drive to support fellow creatives, Kok opened the evening with the Africa Refocused program video. This showcased the powerful collaboration between NEWF and the National Geographic Society. Following the screening, Kok addressed a passionate crowd of conservationists, scientists, filmmakers, and storytellers, while NEWF-composed music brought the atmosphere to life.

Beyond his role as host, Kok was joined by several NEWF Fellows who are also National Geographic Explorers. These individuals made significant contributions to the festival, sharing their unique perspectives and work.

Spotlight on NEWF Fellows

During the Explorer Spotlight session, NEWF Fellows from across the continent took the stage. Speakers included Shaleen Angwenyi and Clement Kiragu from Kenya, Dercio Muha Gomate from Mozambique, Ghofrane Labyedh from Tunisia, and Stuart Tibaweswa from Uganda.

South African Explorer Ntokozo Mbuli also featured prominently, addressing attendees during the Evening of Exploration as one of the select key speakers.

Shifting the narrative

Through his leadership at NEWF, Kok has established himself as a leading voice in nature and conservation filmmaking. His mission remains clear: to shift the narrative around African conservation by telling local stories through local voices and lenses.

‘We are facilitating and supporting a new generation of African conservation storytellers, some are starting out, others mid-career and even leaders in their field, and in doing so, we’re playing our part in shifting who tells the story of nature and conservation on this continent.’

~ Noel Kok, Executive Director of NEWF and National Geographic Explorer

A vision for the future

The National Geographic Explorers Festival is a global initiative by the National Geographic Society, a nonprofit dedicated to using science, exploration, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

This landmark festival in Sandton reflects a shared vision to facilitate access and support for a new generation of African conservation storytellers. These creatives are ready to tell the story of nature in Africa in their own authentic voices.

For more information, go to their website here www.newf.co.za.

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